Looking to supersize your home entertainment? Let's dive into two impressive 98-inch TV options released in early 2024: the Samsung 98" DU9000 Series Crystal UHD Smart TV and LG 98" Class UT90 Series 4K UHD Smart TV.
The 98-inch TV category has evolved significantly over the past few years. What was once an ultra-premium segment with $10,000+ price tags has become more accessible, with both these models priced at $2,499. This represents a significant shift in the market, making cinema-sized displays a realistic option for many home theater enthusiasts.
These massive displays require careful consideration beyond just picture quality. You'll need to think about:
Both the Samsung DU9000 and LG UT90 utilize LED-LCD technology with 4K resolution, but their approaches to picture processing differ significantly.
Samsung's processor excels at upscaling, which is crucial since most content isn't native 4K. The Crystal Processor uses AI to analyze and enhance lower-resolution content, making it look sharper and more detailed on the massive 98-inch screen. I've found it handles streaming content particularly well, reducing the compression artifacts (those blocky patterns you sometimes see in dark scenes) that can be distracting on large displays.
LG takes a slightly different approach with their AI-driven processing. Their system focuses on scene-by-scene optimization, adjusting contrast and color based on content type. While effective, it's generally more conservative than Samsung's approach, producing a more natural but sometimes less dramatic image.
For sports fans and action movie enthusiasts, motion handling is crucial on large displays. The Samsung DU9000 has an edge here with its Motion Xcelerator 120Hz technology. This system not only reduces motion blur but also insertS additional frames to smooth out fast action. While some viewers dislike this effect for movies (often called the "soap opera effect"), it's excellent for sports.
The LG UT90 offers standard 120Hz refresh rate support but with less sophisticated motion enhancement. It's still perfectly capable for most content, but fast-moving scenes can show slightly more blur.
Modern gaming demands specific TV features, and both models support 4K gaming at 120Hz. However, there are important differences:
Samsung DU9000 Features:
LG UT90 Features:
For serious gamers, the Samsung's additional features provide more control and a better overall experience. The Game Bar interface is particularly useful, allowing quick adjustments without leaving your game.
The battle between Samsung's Tizen OS and LG's webOS is largely about personal preference, but there are notable differences:
Both platforms support all major streaming services, but Samsung's Tizen offers a more comprehensive smart home integration if you're invested in the Samsung ecosystem.
When setting up a 98-inch TV in a home theater, several factors become crucial:
Both TVs require careful installation due to their size and weight. Professional mounting is highly recommended. The Samsung is slightly lighter at 85.9 lbs (without stand) compared to LG's 134.9 lbs.
Neither TV provides audio that matches their visual impact. I strongly recommend pairing either with a dedicated sound system. The Samsung offers better audio sync features with their own soundbars through Q-Symphony technology.
The Samsung handles reflections better and maintains contrast in brighter rooms. The LG performs best in controlled lighting conditions, making it slightly more dependent on proper home theater setup.
At $2,499, both the Samsung DU9000 and LG UT90 represent excellent value for their size. This price point would have been unthinkable for 98-inch TVs just a few years ago.
The Samsung offers slightly better overall value with superior processing and gaming features. However, if you prioritize simplicity and natural image quality, the LG remains competitive.
Choose the Samsung DU9000 if:
Choose the LG UT90 if:
Both TVs represent impressive value in the large format category. The Samsung DU9000 offers more features and better processing, making it my general recommendation for most users. However, the LG UT90's simpler approach and natural image quality make it a strong contender, especially for dedicated home theater setups.
Remember to consider your specific viewing environment and content preferences when making your choice. Either way, you'll be getting an impressive home theater centerpiece that would have cost significantly more just a year or two ago.
| Samsung 98" DU9000 Series Crystal UHD Smart TV | LG 98" Class UT90 Series 4K UHD Smart TV |
|---|---|
| Display Processor - Determines picture quality, especially for non-4K content | |
| Crystal Processor 4K (Superior upscaling, better motion handling) | α8 AI Processor (Good but more conservative processing) |
| Refresh Rate & Motion - Critical for sports and gaming | |
| Motion Xcelerator 120Hz (Advanced motion smoothing) | Basic 120Hz (Standard motion handling) |
| Smart Platform - Affects daily usability and streaming experience | |
| Tizen OS (More polished, feature-rich but complex) | webOS 24 (Simpler, faster navigation) |
| Gaming Features - Important for next-gen console gaming | |
| Game Bar, VRR, ALLM, Gaming Dashboard | Basic Game Optimizer, ALLM |
| Weight Without Stand - Impacts installation requirements | |
| 85.9 lbs (Easier installation) | 134.9 lbs (May require additional mounting support) |
| HDR Support - Affects contrast and color in high-quality content | |
| HDR10+ (Dynamic metadata for better scene-by-scene adjustment) | HDR10, HLG (Standard HDR support) |
| Audio Features - Important if using TV speakers or brand soundbar | |
| Q-Symphony, OTS Lite, Adaptive Sound | Basic audio features |
| Price - Both represent good value for 98" size | |
| $2,499.99 | $2,499.99 |
The Samsung 98" DU9000 has better picture processing and handles dark scenes better, making it superior for dedicated home theater use. However, the LG UT90 offers excellent out-of-box color accuracy if you don't plan to calibrate your TV.
Both TVs are priced identically at $2,499.99, making the decision more about features than cost.
Yes, professional installation is strongly recommended for both the Samsung DU9000 and LG UT90. The Samsung is lighter at 85.9 lbs, while the LG weighs 134.9 lbs, but both require careful mounting and handling.
The Samsung DU9000 offers superior gaming features, including Game Bar, VRR, and a gaming dashboard. The LG has basic gaming features but lacks the advanced optimization tools.
For optimal viewing of either TV, maintain a distance of 12-15 feet. This allows you to see the full 4K detail while avoiding visible pixels.
The Samsung DU9000 performs better in bright rooms with superior reflection handling and contrast. The LG UT90 is better suited for controlled lighting conditions.
Yes, both TVs benefit greatly from external audio. The Samsung pairs especially well with Samsung soundbars through Q-Symphony technology.
LG's webOS is simpler and faster to navigate, while Samsung's Tizen OS offers more features but has a steeper learning curve.
Yes, both the Samsung DU9000 and LG UT90 support 4K/120Hz, though Samsung's motion handling is more advanced.
The Samsung DU9000 is superior for sports viewing due to its Motion Xcelerator 120Hz technology, which handles fast motion better than LG's basic 120Hz implementation.
Yes, both support HDR, but the Samsung offers HDR10+ with dynamic metadata for better scene-by-scene adjustment, while the LG has standard HDR10 and HLG support.
Both represent excellent value for 98-inch TVs, with the Samsung DU9000 offering slightly better features at the same price point as the LG UT90. These models would have cost significantly more just a year ago.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: bestbuy.com - thebigscreenstore.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - assetserver.net - associatedappliance.com - insight.com - nfm.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - blog.rentacenter.com - samsung.com - merlinstv.com - samsung.com - rtings.com - shopjetson.com - abt.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - pcrichard.com - lg.com - rcwilley.com - lg.com - elechid.com - lg.com
